Our Reader’s Rig of the week comes from our friend Clare Nattress in the UK, who shares the Bombtrack Beyond Plus she rode on a year-long trip around the world and has since converted into a mobile sampling device to collect ambient air pollution data as part of her Ph.D. research. Learn more about Clare, her work, and her bike here…

Words and photos by Clare Nattress (@thetouringartist)

Hello! I’m Clare Nattress and I’m an interdisciplinary artist and educator working in the UK. I am currently undertaking a practice-based Ph.D. at Leeds Beckett University. My works often encompass performance, data visualisation, photography, digital practices, and installation underpinned with conceptual rigour. Since February 2020 I have been researching how cycling can be a performative art methodology to investigate, reveal, and disseminate the problem of air pollution.

Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus

In 2018 my partner, Matty, and I cycled in parts of the globe for a year, living in a tent and carrying everything we needed on our bikes. This year-long trip raised significant questions regarding the environment and air pollution. The Bombtrack Beyond Plus that I travelled with has now been adapted to suit my research needs; it is now a tool to enable the collection of ambient air pollution alongside sampler equipment from Enviro Technology Services, London, who are collaborating with me.

  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus
  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus

After cycling in highly polluted cities such as Kathmandu and then soon after, the West Coast of Tasmania – a location the United Nations has once declared the cleanest air in the world – the disparity came to the forefront of my mind. What’s more, upon returning to England I had a shock realisation when conducting research that highlighted areas of the country that do not meet the legal requirements. Artistically speaking, I believe I can go even further to push transparency of this problem, members of the public can develop speculative modes of engagement that provide a deeper connection and understanding with their direct environment. The public can own the knowledge of their day-to-day exposure, from the commutes they take, to the routine walks or cycle rides they enjoy, or even the air pollution levels when they drop their children off at school.

  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus
  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus
  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus
  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus
  • Clare Nattress, Bombtrack Beyond Plus
  • Frame/Fork Bombtrack Beyond Plus 2017
  • Rims WTB Scraper
  • Hubs Bombtrack
  • Tires Terevail Coronado
  • Handlebars Jones Bars
  • Headset FSA
  • Crankset SRAM NX
  • Pedals DMR V12
  • Cassette Shimano SLX
  • Derailleur SRAM NX
  • Brakes Shimano XT
  • Shifter(s) SRAM NX
  • Saddle Brooks Cambium C17 Carved
  • Seatpost Brand X Ascend 150mm
  • Stem Ritchey
  • Front bags Pelago with Wald Basket
  • Other accessories Nalgene 1 litre with Widefoot cage

See more from Clare on Instagram @thetouringartist. Also, if you missed either, be sure to check out Matty & Clare: Lost Captures and Bumbling Through Bikepacking.

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